Prasad Indulkar
July 2025 - Pandharpur Waari Ringan Run
About the Image(s)
The image depicts the "Ringan" ritual during the Pandharpur Wari. Here, Warkaris, dressed in traditional white attire, joyfully run barefoot in a circular formation. Many carry musical instruments like the tanpura and chipliya, contributing to the devotional atmosphere. This symbolic run, often involving a sacred horse representing the saint, is a highlight of the pilgrimage, where devotees seek blessings by being in proximity to the divine energy, making it a collective expression of faith and exhilaration.
The Pandharpur Wari is a revered annual pilgrimage to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, observed by millions of Warkaris (devotees). This centuries-old tradition involves walking for about 18-21 days, carrying the sacred "padukas" (sandals) of revered saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram in elaborately decorated palanquins (palkhis). The journey, filled with devotional songs (abhangas), hymns, and kirtans, culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi.
During this arduous walk, devotees engage in various traditional games that inject joy and energy into their spiritual journey. These include Phugadi, a folk dance where women clap and spin, and Surpatya, a traditional game.
However, the most anticipated and visually striking ritual is the Ringan running game. Performed at designated open grounds along the route (such as Akluj, Velapur, and Wakhari), Ringan involves the Warkaris forming a large circle. Within this circle, a sacred horse, believed to embody the spirit of the saint, runs in a circular path. Devotees reverently follow barefoot, chanting "Mauli! Mauli!" (a name for Sant Dnyaneshwar). There are two main types: Gol Ringan (circular Ringan), where the palkhi or the sacred horse is at the center, and Ubha Ringan (standing Ringan), performed in a straight line. The dust raised by the horse's hooves during Ringan is considered extremely sacred, and devotees eagerly apply it to their foreheads, believing it brings blessings and purifies the soul. Ringan is not merely a game but a powerful expression of faith, unity, and a collective surge of spiritual energy, offering a moment of ecstatic celebration amidst the long pilgrimage.
EXIF :- Camera Sony RX10M4 , Shutter speed - 1/400, Aperture - f11, ISO 200.
6 comments posted
I would love to see the application of the dust raised by the sacred horse's hooves. It's hard for me to visualize it.
What you have shared looks powerful and joyful. I especially love the musical instruments. Posted: 07/07/2025 03:39:07
It is indeed one of the oldest traditions in Western India, this 21 day walk called "waari", this has been going on for couple of centuries now. The Devotees who do this , plan their entire year around this walk. and yes they leave there homes , family and walk for 21 days in a row , covering many miles per day to reach the City called Pandharpur , where they only few seconds of Darshan ( view of the god's idol) , but they endure everything with smile and satisfaction , as it is their love of the god that makes these hardships feel like nothing . I have several images of the horse and dust from his hooves. I will share it with you later. Posted: 07/11/2025 13:30:52
This image has a lot of striking elements - the costumes, and especially the orange turbans,are very eye catching, as is the way the fabulous sky highlights the runners. They look like they are enjoying themselves. Might you consider cropping the bottom to feature the runners even more? Posted: 07/11/2025 13:10:43